Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
611. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of equalising the jobseeker rates for under 25s at the increased rate of €279 per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45033/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAge-related rates apply to jobseekers aged 18 to 24 years in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance. Exemptions apply to those with dependent children; those who were previously in the care of Tusla or living independently; and those in receipt of state housing supports, such as the Housing Assistance Payment.
My priority is on giving young people the best possible chance to participate in the labour market through employment, education and training opportunities which will enhance their employment prospects over time, as well as their ability to earn an adequate income to support themselves and their families into the future.
Where a young jobseeker participates in any of the many education or training programmes or any of the available employment programmes, including for example CE and Tús, their payment is uprated up to the maximum personal rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance of €254. If they participate on the Work Placement Experience Programme the weekly rate increases up to €369. Age-related rates do not apply to the PRSI-based schemes, Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit or Jobseeker's Benefit.
At of 31 May 2026, there are approximately 12,040 people on a reduced rate of €163.70.
The estimated full-year cost of increasing the age-related jobseeker’s rate of €163.70 to equalise the rate with the standard Jobseeker’s Allowance full personal rate of €254 is approximately €56.5 million, based on the 2026 payment rates and the current number of recipients.
To increase the age-related jobseeker’s rate of €163.70 to the proposed rate of €279 is estimated to cost €72.2 million in a full year, based on the 2026 payment rates and the current number of recipients.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
